President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to approve his nominees to lead Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory agencies following the resignation of their outgoing chiefs. The development marks a significant shake‑up in the country’s energy sector leadership.
In separate letters transmitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday, Tinubu requested the expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The nominations come after the recent resignations of Gbenga Komolafe and Farouk Ahmed from their respective positions.
Eyesan, a veteran of the Nigerian oil and gas industry with nearly three decades of experience, previously held senior roles within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its subsidiaries. Her nomination is seen as part of Tinubu’s effort to ensure strong regulatory oversight in the upstream sector. Mohammed, likewise, is an experienced engineer credited with involvement in major national energy infrastructure projects, including gas pipeline developments.
The Senate’s confirmation is required by law before the nominees can assume office. The President’s request underscores the urgency of filling leadership vacancies to maintain regulatory stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, which plays a critical role in the country’s economy.
Analysts say the changes follow high‑profile disputes involving the outgoing NMDPRA boss and local industry players, notably allegations raised by industrialist Aliko Dangote that contributed to heightened scrutiny of the authority’s operations.
Lawmakers are expected to schedule screenings in coming days, with stakeholders watching closely as the Senate considers the nominees amid ongoing debates about energy sector governance and investor confidence.
